Southern Illinois Music Festival

May 29, 2017 - June 11, 2017

Where: Marion Civic Center | When: 08:00 am - 10:00 pm

Southern Illinois Music Festival features over three dozen performances at various venues throughout Southern Illinois. Professional musicians from North and South America, Europe and Asia perform orchestral and chamber music, opera, ballet, jazz and new music in and informal and inviting atmosphere. Join in for a great season of music at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center. The theme for the 2017 season is “An Offer You Can’t Refuse”.

On Monday, May 29, 2017, the 60-piece Southern Illinois Music Festival Orchestra and a 30-voice Chorus will present a special Memorial Day concert, featuring patriotic music and a salute to America’s armed forces. The concert takes place at 7pm at the brand new Marion High School Auditorium, and admission is FREE. The program will include the 1812 Overture, a musical setting of the Gettysburg Address, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, Aaron Copland’s stirring Fanfare for the Common Man, music from the Band of Brothers, God Bless America and the Armed Forces Salute.

The 60-piece Southern Illinois Music Festival Orchestra and two fabulous instrumental soloists will present three orchestral concerts featuring the music of Antonin Dvorak and Peter Tchaikovsky on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, June 2, 3 and 4, 2017 at the Carterville High School Performing Arts Center. The concerts include the 6th symphonies of Dvorak and Tchaikovsky, Dvorak’s incredible Cello Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s virtuosic Violin Concerto. Violin and Cello soloists are longtime SIFest musicians, Michelle Skinner and David Peshlakai. All three concerts take place at 7:30pm. Admission is $20 general and $8 for students of any age.

Art for Adults: Scrapbooking

June 07, 2017

Where: Marion Carnegie Library | When: 03:00 pm - 04:00 pm

Join Missy Carstens, from the Little Egypt Art Association and learn how to preserve your memories while you artfully arrange your photos. Space is limited. Registration is required and can be completed on the Main Floor starting on Wednesday, May 24. For ages 18 and up.

Marion Farmers Market

Weekly on Saturdays and Wednesdays

April 05, 2017 - October 28, 2017

Where: Senior Center parking lot | When: 06:00 am - 10:00 am

Marion Farmers Market, located in the Marion Senior's Center parking lot, offers fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as delicious baked goods. Come out Wednesdays from 6am to 10am, and Saturdays from 6am to 12pm to shop fresh!

Cannon Park Community Market

Weekly on Wednesdays

April 05, 2017 - September 27, 2017

Where: Cannon Park | When: 02:30 pm - 06:00 pm

Cannon Park Community Market is a producer-only market featuring Southern Illinois' farmers, growers, and artisans. Open Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 6pm - April through September at the Carterville Community Center in Cannon Park, this market provides the Tri-C area with fresh local foods, artisan crafts, and family-friendly activities.

Klassics for Kids

June 09, 2017

Where: Free Will Baptist Church | When: 12:00 pm

Klassics for Kids are interactive concerts, designed to expose children to the joys of live classical music and jazz. Parents and care-givers are encouraged to help youngsters develop skills appropriate to a live performance in an informal atmosphere. All events are open to the public without reservation and admission free.

Regional Producers Farmers Market - Johnston City

Weekly on Fridays

April 07, 2017 - October 27, 2017

Where: Downtown Johnston City | When: 03:00 pm - 07:00 pm

Regional Producers Farmers Market in Downtown Johnston City (across from Indian Video) will run Fridays from 3pm to 7pm April through October. Featuring fresh, local/regional produce, pork, eggs, poultry, herbs, baked goods, jellies, jams and a variety of crafts.

Marion Garden Club

June 10, 2017

Where: Williamson County Fairgrounds | When: 09:00 am - 03:00 pm

The Marion Garden Club is sponsoring a Garden Tour of several beautiful gardens on June 10th. This project will help us maintain the flower boxes at Marion parks and the Williamson County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $5 and are available for purchase at the Williamson County Fairgrounds as well as Etcetera Flowers & Gifts.

Kids Fishing Derby

June 10, 2017

Where: Prairie Creek Recreation Area | When: 08:00 am - 12:00 pm

The Kids Fishing Day is a free event hosted by the Refuge and our many local sponsors. It is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend a day together on the refuge fishing. The Derby is for kids 12 and younger. Free lunch will be provided for participants and their families. Registration begins at 8am. Event runs 8am-noon at the Prairie Creek Recreation Area. The Prairie Creek Recreation Area is very popular with anglers. Located just south of State Highway 13 in Carbondale this area boasts excellent bank fishing and includes and accessible fishing pier. There are also a boat ramps on both the north and south sides of the highway. Many fishing tournaments stage here and hold their weigh-ins an on-site pavilion. Picnic tables are also available.

Marion Community Day

June 10, 2017

The Southern Illinois Miners will be facing off against the Joliet Slammers. Show your community spirit and support for Marion Grad Spree this year by attending Marion Community Day at Rent One Park!

The first pitch will be thrown at 6:05 p.m. Tickets to the game are only $10 for box seats and $5 for general admission. A portion of ticket sales through June 7 will go to the Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Grad Spree program; which was started more than 30 years ago to help insure that graduation is the beginning of a new life, not the end of one. The Chamber provides a night of fun-filled activities following graduation ceremonies. The cost of this event is covered by direct donations and dollars raised at various Marion Chamber of Commerce fundraisers. The event costs approximately $50 per student.

Men's Roller Derby Illinois Cup

June 10, 2017

Where: The Pavilion | When: 03:00 pm - 09:00 pm

Join your Southern Illinois Brigade of Handsome Gentlemen for the battle for the Illinois Cup at The Pavilion on Saturday, June 10th! This Triple Header puts all three Men's Roller Derby teams in the state in a head-to-head battle for the coveted Illinois Cup (Currently held by the Chicago Bruise Brothers). Kids 12 and under get in free; $10 in advance $15 at the door- opens at 2pm. Must be 21 to drink.

We are also collecting nonperishable food items for the Marion Veterans' Food Bank. Donations can be left at the ticket table. After party to be held on site following the final bout.

Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant

June 11, 2017 - June 17, 2017

Where: Marion Cultural and Civic Center | When: 07:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant will be held at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center June 11th-17th, 2017. It is a part of the Miss America organization. This scholarship pageant will bring women from all over Illinois to compete for a scholarship and a chance to enter the Miss America pageant.

Miss Illinois Prelim - June 14

This evening of Prelim competition will feature all of the Miss Contestants competing for a spot in the Final competition on Saturday June 17. This will also feature some of the teen competitors competing in Evening Gown and On Stage Question.

Miss Illinois Prelim - June 15

This evening of Prelim competition will feature all of the Miss Contestants competing for a spot in the Final competition on Saturday June 17. This will also feature some of the teen competitors competing in Evening Gown and On Stage Question. This evening will also be the first introduction of the participants in the Miss Illinois Princess Program.

Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen Final - June 16

This is the final night of competition for the Teen competitors. The evening will also feature a dance by the Princess class of 2017.

Miss Illinois Final - June 17

This is the final night of competition for the Miss Contestants of 2017. During this evening they will also be joined on stage by the Princess Class of 2017

Carterville Community Night

June 15, 2017

Where: Rent One Park | When: 06:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Join us for Carterville Community Night at Rent One Park, home of the Southern Illinois Miners! Game time is 7:05pm and tickets are $8. We expect a great turn out this year as we are "going to bat" for GUM DROPS, a great cause for our community! Kid friendly food donations will be accepted at the gate on game night.

Highbanks Hustle

June 15, 2017 - June 17, 2017

Where: Southern Illinois Raceway | When: 06:00 pm - 09:00 pm

By Maximum Dirt: "After four years of hosting arguably the most successful outdoor micro sprint event of its time, Southern Illinois Raceway’s High Banks Hustle will become even bigger when the fifth annual running takes to Marion, Illinois in June. Becoming the highest paying micro sprint race of the year, this year’s edition will pay out a whopping $10,000 to the #HBH17 champion! Not only will the winner walk away with his fair share, but the love will be thrown throughout the field as the top eight finishers will score at least $1,000 and all starters gaining a minimum of $500 to start. In another share of breaking news, SIR is proud to welcome back Engler Machine & Tool as the title sponsor of this year’s race!"

Herrin Community Day

June 16, 2017

Where: Rent One Park | When: 05:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Join us for Herrin Community Day at Rent One Park, home of the Southern Illinois Miners! Game time is 7:05pm and tickets are $8. Make sure to get there early and see the pre-game show filled with Herrin's finest talent and stay for fireworks after!

Gates will open at 5pm, Music will start at 6pm. Full length performances by all acts. This is an all ages concert. All guests must have a ticket. A handicap area is available in the GENERAL ADMISSION section only. This is an outdoor venue. Concert will remain outside rain or shine and no refunds will be issued for any reason.

Kayaking the Refuge Course

June 17, 2017

Where: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge | When: 09:00 am

Come kayak Crab Orchard NWR's lakes with us! Get an interpretive tour of the land around you, view wildlife as you pass by, and enjoy the breeze as you kayak out with our rangers. Boats are limited so if you are not bringing your own be sure to reserve your space. Ages 15 and up only. First program begins at 9am. Second begins at 1pm.

SI Opry

June 17, 2017

Where: Herrin Civic Center | When: 06:00 pm - 09:30 pm

Join us at the Herrin Civic Center for an evening with Cassie Andrews and Calico Creek. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door, Herrin Pawn Mart or online. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7:30pm. Food, refreshments and cocktails available.

These events feature various styles of Bluegrass, Gospel, and Country music from local artists across Southern Illinois to top International Recording Artists from Nashville and around the world.

Juggling Jeff

June 22, 2017

Where: Marion Carnegie Library | When: 05:30 pm - 06:30 pm

When Juggling Jeff takes the stage, you never know what will happen. His comedy variety shows are exploding with energy. Free to the public. Tickets are required and can be picked up starting on Thursday, June 8th.

Pollinators Course

June 24, 2017

Where: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge | When: 10:00 am

Several activities free to the public to spread awareness about the importance of pollinators! Join us in celebrating bats, birds, bees, and more! Keep an eye on our website for postings about the activities.

Historical Village Garden Summer Series-Herb Gardening

June 27, 2017

Where: Harrison-Bruce Historical Village on the campus of John A. Logan College | When: 01:00 pm - 02:00 pm

Herbs are wonderful, multifunctional plants that make a great addition to indoor and outdoor gardens and landscapes.

Incorporating herbs into your home can provide delicious flavors in your cooking, beautiful colors and textures in your landscape, and blooms taht are attractive to beneficial insects like butterflies and bees.

This event is free and presented by Horticulture Extension Educator, Alicia Gardner; in conjuction with the John. A Logan Historical Village Garden Committee.

Lunch & Learn - Rise to the Top: A Leadership Discussion

June 28, 2017

The June Lunch & Learn will be held on June 28 from 12-1pm at The Pavilion. The topic will be Rise to the Top: A Leadership Discussion with Melisa Adkins.

Special guest Melisa Adkins, CEO of Heartland Regional Medical Center, will share leadership principles and applications learned throughout her advancement in healthcare from nurse to chief executive officer. Join us for this Lunch & Learn program for leaders and learners.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch & Learn each month in 2017 as part of the Leadership Marion program.

In a brief amount of time, you will receive the best leadership principles, interact with other growing leaders, and discuss how to apply effective practices to your organization. After each Lunch & Learn, you will walk away with at least one mind changing idea that will create a desire for motivation and self-improvement. This is the perfect professional development opportunity to increase levels of influence and potential in yourself and in the teams you lead.

The Lunch and Learn programs will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month beginning January 25 (Nov. 15 and Dec. 13 classes are exceptions) from 12-1pm at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Classroom 1 (except February, April, June and October classes are held at The Pavilion).

Admission is $15 per Marion Chamber member ($20 for non-Chamber). Lunch and drinks provided courtesy of Heartland Regional Medical Center.

Contact the Marion Chamber at (618) 997-6311 or director@marionillinois.com to secure your seat or for more information.

Fireworks Spectacular

June 29, 2017

Where: Arrowhead Lake Amphitheater | When: 05:00 pm

Join Johnston City and celebrate America! Come to the Arrowhead Lake Amphitheater for food vendors, bands, entertainment, and fireworks! Event will be held on June 29th starting at 5pm, fireworks at 9:15pm.

Kayaking the Refuge Course

July 01, 2017

Where: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge | When: 09:00 am

Come kayak Crab Orchard NWR's lakes with us! Get an interpretive tour of the land around you, view wildlife as you pass by, and enjoy the breeze as you kayak out with our rangers. Boats are limited so if you are not bringing your own be sure to reserve your space. Ages 15 and up only. First program begins at 9am. Second begins at 1pm.

Red, White & Brews

July 03, 2017

Where: Walker's Bluff | When: 01:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Annual RED, WHITE & BREWS Celebration! BBQ will be served & it will be the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW of the year, starting at 9 PM! The gates open at 1PM and entry is $10 per car. Walker's Bluff wine tastings will be included upon entry and available from 4-8 PM. St. Nicholas Brewing Company will also be offering brew tastings starting at 4 PM. LIVE MUSIC will be performed by The Magnatones from 2-6 PM and Aquanet from 7-10 PM.

Independence Day Celebration

July 04, 2017

Where: Cannon Park | When: 06:00 pm

The Carterville Fire Department would like to invite everyone out for our Independence Day Celebration on July 4th. Event starts at 6pm, we will have live music, concessions, and fireworks to end the night. We look forward to seeing everyone for a fun filled evening.